Addis Ababa : Hundreds of Ghana nationals living in South Africa are voluntarily returning home amid growing anti-immigrant tensions and ahead of a June 30 ultimatum issued by anti-immigration activists.
According to Ghanaian officials and local reports, around 300 Ghanaians have already been repatriated after the Ghanaian government intervened to facilitate their return.
Sources said approximately 800 Ghanaian nationals have so far registered for repatriation, with another 500 still awaiting transportation out of South Africa.
“I was attacked. I almost got stabbed on April 4. I am happy now because I am going home,” one Ghanaian national told local media while waiting to board a flight at O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
As the repatriation effort continues, South African authorities said more than 90% of those evacuated were undocumented migrants living in the country illegally.
The developments come amid intensifying anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa, where foreign nationals have reported growing intimidation, attacks and insecurity regardless of immigration status.
Residents and business owners told The Horn Frequency that many immigrants operating small businesses have temporarily shut down operations or gone into hiding due to safety concerns.
The closures have also affected local employment, with South African workers employed by immigrant-owned businesses reportedly losing their jobs as businesses suspend operations.
